Royal Avebe has published its integrated annual report for 2024/2025. During a meeting on Monday at the Innovation Center in Groningen, CEO David Fousert highlighted the main themes from the report. He emphasised the progress made with the Accelerate and Strengthen strategy, with a central focus on innovation, sustainability, and broadening the cooperative’s earning capacity.
The performance indicator rose to €136.79 per tonne of potatoes, a clear and necessary improvement compared to previous years. The cooperative result after tax is €5.1 million, of which Avebe will pay out €2 million directly to its members. Solvency increased slightly to 36.5%.
Innovation and sustainability
In the 2024/2025 financial year, Avebe invested a total of €60 million. The emphasis of these investments was on making production processes more efficient and sustainable, preventive maintenance, and digitalisation. Fousert: “A great example is the installation of new decanters in Gasselternijveen, which allows us to achieve significant water savings.” Sustainability remains a cornerstone of Avebe’s strategy. Ambitious targets have been set for 2030: a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions (scope 1 and 3), a 1.5% annual improvement in energy efficiency, and a significant reduction in water extraction. Avebe reports on its sustainability goals in line with the forthcoming European CSRD requirements.
Product innovations
The financial year was further characterised by strong product innovations, such as the launch of PerfectaMAR®, a unique application of potato protein in surimi, which offers especially good growth prospects in Asia. “We are continuing this line. Alongside protein innovation, we are constantly investing in the development of potato starch. This year, we have developed a vegan alternative to gelatin in vitamin gummies, and a plant-based alternative to gelatin in liquorice, wine gums and other confectionery using PerfectaGEL®. Our innovative potato starch significantly reduces drying time compared to gelatin or pectin, leading to more efficient production processes and lower energy costs,” said Fousert.
Market developments
Fousert paid particular attention to the current market situation: due to a larger growing area, an early harvest, and high yields, the supply of starch potatoes in Europe has increased considerably this season. Fousert commented, “At the same time, the cost price and risks for potato cultivation continue to rise, and we see increasing uncertainty and geopolitical tensions worldwide. To keep cultivation attractive for our members, returns will need to keep pace with these developments.” According to the CEO, agility and entrepreneurship remain essential to respond to changing market conditions and achieve sustainable growth. “Avebe is well positioned to work with its members and partners to make the supply chain future-proof and seize opportunities in new markets. The acquisition of flake and granule producer Solan in Poland is a good example of this,” Fousert concluded.
Integrated annual report 2024/2025
